Here is the ultimate guide to using laundry detergent pacs and stain remover pacs, to wash your laundry, including the pros and cons of using this type of product, plus reviews of the various brands available.

Have you noticed that more and more brands of detergent are coming out with "pacs", or "packs", or even "paks" of detergent?

They spell it all kinds of ways, but the ultimate result is always just about the same. These little packages are a way of selling the same detergent, just in a different format.

This format puts the typically liquid detergent (although some of them contain powder) into a little pouch that dissolves when it is thrown in the washing machine water, releasing the soap.

Similarly, many stain removers and bleaches are also made into pack form now, and even a few fabric softeners and laundry scent boosters as well.

Pros & Cons Of Laundry Detergent Pacs

As with anything there are pros and cons to this new type of product.

Pros

They can be handy to transport and store, especially in comparison to liquids or powders (a bonus if doing laundry at a laundromat or from a dorm room, or on vacation)

Typical Directions For Use

Each brand is different, so follow the directions on the type of laundry detergent pacs you choose to be on the safe side.

However, they typically have similar directions for use, which is to throw in one pac (two if it is an extra large or soiled load) into the washer drum, while the water is running but before you add clothes.

Do not add the pacs to the detergent dispenser, since they depend on water hitting them to actually dissolve, and would clog your dispenser in pac form.

I don't know that it is necessary, but when I use any variety of them I tend to watch and wait until the pac has dissolved before I add clothes to the washer. It normally doesn't take very long, and the water is still adding during the process anyway.

Although I say they are designed to properly dissolve in hot or cold water, one of the problems sometimes encountered with these pacs is that they don't actually dissolve.

Often the fact that the pacs don't dissolve has more to do with user error, and throwing in the clothes too soon before the water has a chance to fully dissolve the pac.

However, after receiving lots of reviews from readers as well (see below) I've come to believe that some brands just dissolve better than others. If you're consistently having trouble getting your pacs to dissolve, and have tried to change your tecnhique for adding them without avail, I would definitely suggest switching to another brand.

Available Brands Of Laundry Detergent Pacs & Stain Removers Currently On The Market

More and more pacs seem to be coming on the market every day, but I will try my best to keep up with this list, to keep it up to date. Where available for purchase online, I have linked the images below to the best place you can buy these products, in case you're interested.

Here's the brands I'm currently aware of that have this means of packaging their detergent:

All Mighty Pacs

All has just come out with these new Mighty Pacs, and they are available in both the original scent and free and clear version. You can read about All detergent here, in general.

I have personally tried these Mighty Pacs in the free and clear scent, and liked them, but another reviewer wasn't as pleased. You can read both our reviews here.

Arm & Hammer Toss n' Done & Crystal Burst Power Paks

Arm & Hammer detergent has come out with what they've termed "Power Paks." There are several varieties available, some of which contain Oxiclean.

Finally, Dropps just came out with fabric softener pacs, which package softener in individual packs, similar to the idea behind the single packs of laundry detergent. This may be the next wave in natural fabric softeners as well, since it seems this company leads the way on new innovations such as this.

ECOS Pods & Earth Friendly Products Oxo Brite Pods

The ECOS brand is green, and they've got both a detergent and also an oxygen booster (under the Earth Friendly Products brand) in pod form.

Kirkland Brand {From Costco} Pacs

This is a store brand, sold by Costco, and although not specifically stated I believe it is supposed to compete with Tide.

I have received a positive review of these. I would caution, however, that not specifically for the pods, but for several Kirkland laundry brand products in general I've gotten complaints about allergies.

Nellie's All Natural Laundry Nuggets

Nellie's is a company that makes several all natural laundry products, ranging from detergents, bleaches and dryer balls.

One of the more recent products they've come out with are these "nuggets" which hold one pre-measured load of the washing powder in it.

It is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, so it may fit many criteria for you if you're also looking for those things, in addition to convenience.

Tide Pods & Tide Stain Release In Wash Booster Pacs

Tide recently released, with a big marketing blitz, their version of laundry detergent pacs. Instead of calling them pacs, however, they call them Tide Pods. They are currently available in three scents, Ocean Mist, Mystic Forest and Spring Meadow.

In addition to the detergent pods, Tide already had Tide Stain Release In Wash Booster Pacs, which are now known as Tide Boost pacs. These are not actually detergent, but a stain remover, which is available in original scent or scent free. I have received reviews of Tide stain release pacs here, plus here's a Tide Boost review (it's new name).

Wisk PowerBlasts

A very recently added product to this category of laundry detergent pacs comes from Wisk. They are only available in the original scent at this time.

I don't have a review, so if you've used them I'd love to hear your opinion of them. You can share your review here.

Share Your Laundry Detergent Pacs Reviews With Me

Have I missed a brand that has pacs available? Or, have you used one of them I've listed, and you want to share how it worked for you?

Either way I'd love to hear from you, sharing your opinions and experiences, so I can link to your reviews from this page and help others make the decision of what product is best for them.

Share Your Comments, Tips & Ideas

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CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.